One of our problems with the sovereignty of God is that it frequently does not appear that God is in control of the circumstances of our lives. It is difficult to see God working through secondary causes and frail, sinful human beings. Yet, to believe in the sovereignty of God when we do not see His direct intervention is even more important because that is the way God usually works. While God’s sovereignty is not always apparent, He continues to work providentially in the lives of all His creation. Much of the Old Testament narratives are given to us to see the mighty hand of God in the events of history. Paul writes in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before [Old Testament Scriptures] were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (comment mine). We need to review the Old Testament Historical narratives with an eye to the plan and purposes of God, viewing how He worked in the lives of the nation, and remember that He says in Malachi 3:6, “I am the LORD, I change not!” This is how we can give thanks to God for all … READ MORE

God’s direction in our lives precedes our births. He permits, for reasons known only to Himself, people to act contrary to His sovereign will. Our understanding of the truth that God is in control of all things, and will directly affect our ability to live in contentment in our lives. We could explore many passages that remind of of this (Proverbs 16:9 Ecclesiastes 7:13; Lamentations 3:37; James 4:13-15; Revelation 3:7), consider Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.” We must understand that we make plans, but those plans an only succeed when they are consistent with God’s purpose – no plan can succeed against Him. What an encouragement, to know that no one or no thing can execute their malicious plan unless God has first decreed it. God is in control, but ion His control, He allows us to experience pain, and that pin is very real. Yet, in the midst of our suffering we must believe and accept that God is in control, and He has a good purpose in those events. Remember nothing is so small or trivial as to escape … READ MORE

When a person becomes a Christian, God initially renews their mind, giving it a completely new spiritual and moral capability. This renewal continues through the believer’s life as they are obedient to the Word and will of God. This process is not a one-time accomplishment but the continual work of the Spirit of God in the believer. The resources for that are God’s Word and prayer. This renewing of the mind of a follower of Jesus Christ, is a corollary to putting on the new self, which is the new creation made into the very likeness of God. Romans 12:2 tells us “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” The Key to becoming more like Christ comes in the mind – We must allow the Word of God to rule our hearts and minds. Because of our new life, our new Lord, our new nature, and our new power, we are called to live a correspondingly new life-style. All made possible by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer.… READ MORE